Eastercon 2025

I will be attending Eastercon in Belfast this weekend. This is the National Convention of the British Science Fiction Association and it is being held Northern Ireland for the first time. It’s been about 18 months since I’ve attended a convention (I decided to take a breather last year), and I’ll be reconnecting with dear friends and hanging out with old acquaintances during the long weekend.

I intend to enjoy every moment! Here’s my schedule.

Friday, 18 April 2025

Launch of the Phantasmagoria magazine’s latest issue, a Celebration of Irish Fantasy and Horror, at Forbidden Planet, Belfast 16:00 – 18:00
Featuring Ramsey Campbell, Trevor Kennedy, Byddi Lee, Ian McDonald, Maura McHugh, Lynda Rucker, Ben Unsworth, & Jo Zebedee (Note that Lynda and I will be there for about 40 minutes before haring off to our next event).

David Lynch Memorial Panel. Hilton – Lagan B; 17:00–18:00
Featuring Gary Couzens, Jonathan Laidlow (moderator), Maura McHugh, Ian Moore, & Lynda Rucker.

Saturday, 19 April 2025

Phantasmagoria Presents a Celebration of Irish Fantasy and Horror. Hilton – Mezzanine Bar; 12:30–13:30
Featuring Ramsey Campbell, Trevor Kennedy, Byddi Lee, Ian McDonald, Maura McHugh, Lynda Rucker, Ben Unsworth, & Jo Zebedee.

Grabbers, Hallows, and Dark Songs: The Surge in Irish Horror Films. Hilton – Broadway. 14:00–15:00
Featuring Dave Cartwright (moderator), Gwen Frazer, Trevor Kennedy, Maura McHugh, & Mark Slater.

Fear in Five Panels: Comics and Horror. Hilton – Boardroom; Sat 17:00–18:00
Ali Baker, Stephen Jones, Maura McHugh, William Simpson, & Mark Slater (moderator).

Sunday, 20 April 2025

Emerald Isle – The Irish talent working in 2000 AD. Hilton – Boardroom; 12.30 – 13:30
Featuring Michael Carroll, Peter Duncan, PJ Holden, Maura McHugh, James Bacon (moderator), & William Simpson.

Devils in the Woods and Fields: The Lasting Appeal of Folk Horror. Hilton; 14:00–15:00
Featuring Stephen Jones, Maura McHugh, Donna Scott (moderator), Mark Slater, & Neil Williamson.

In Conversation – Guest of Honour interview with comic book legend, Will Simpson. ICC – Hall 1 A; 15:30–16:30
I interview Will about his distinguished career as a working artist in multiple media.

It’s a long bank holiday weekend in Ireland, and I wish you all grand adventures and heart-melting beauties in the coming days!